olivemagazine
type: channel
date: 2025-12-16T10:23:57.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Beyond London - 10 regional bakeries putting their towns on the map
items: 10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
items: Exploring Cape Cod by bike: beaches, fresh seafood and classic Americana
items: Best Knightsbridge restaurants: where to eat in the elegant London district
items: 16 best French food trips
items: John Gregory-Smith's winter feast menu
items: 21 December recipes
items: 7 sherry cocktails
items: 13 winter sun destinations for food lovers
items: Best restaurants in Tbilisi: where locals eat in the vibrant Georgian capital
items: Best cocktail bars in London
items: Swedish baked rice pudding
items: Swedish roasted beet and apple salad
items: Best London hotels
items: Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
items: Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
items: Best restaurants in King's Cross
items: Best restaurants in Peckham
items: Best new restaurants in London to visit in 2025
items: Best Indian restaurants in London
items: Cosy winter feasting recipes
items: Skin-boosting almond salmon curry
items: Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce
items: Kimchi and beans shakshuka
items: No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits

Beyond London - 10 regional bakeries putting their towns on the map
type: item
date: 2025-12-16T10:23:57.000Z
creator: Milly Kenny-Ryder
subject: Restaurants
subject: Travel
subject: UK
description: From Eccles cakes in Suffolk to sourdough in Wales and croissants in Scotland, these are the British bakeries worth travelling for
encoded: When I first embarked on the task of discovering and documenting Britain’s best bakeries I set myself the goal of uncovering the city favourites, but also the specialist independent businesses tucked away in more remote towns and neighbourhoods. The idea was for the book to tell the stories of bakeries worth making a trip for – whether that’s a 5 minute stroll from your home (in pyjamas), or a mini-break designed entirely around a destination bakery. These ten bakeries, all featured in the second edition of my book wonderfully serve the towns they are located in – making wholesome bread and beautiful viennoisserie that both satisfy locals and thrill visiting bakery fans. Imma, Henley-on-Thames The Van Alloys Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Henley isn’t the most glamorous destination, but this unusual location makes Imma even more of a revelation. Owner Tona Erreguin’s previous ventures include two philosophy PhDs and running a fine dining restaurant in Mexico. Preferring the title ‘Head Chef’ to ‘Baker’, she brings culinary flair and creativity to Imma’s goods (the orange curd and meringue pastry, finished with a scalding-hot blast from an iron, is just one example of her anarchic food alchemy). But Imma also do the classics very well. Their Oxford Country Loaf, with a beautiful leafy illustration scored into its crust, was declared the best sourdough in the country at Britain’s Best Loaf 2024 competition (Imma added three more gold medals to their haul the following year). Most lycra-clad visitors swing by after a cycle ride and get their goods to go, but if you’re enjoying a slower morning, there are seats to perch on and coffee made from locally roasted beans. immabakery.com Pump Street Bakery, Orford The dusty-pink facade of this pioneering speciality bakery has become almost as iconic as the sweet creations they sell inside. Pump Street Bakery was one of the first destination artisan bakeries in the UK and are well known for their craft chocolate, made by…

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10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T15:26:32.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: London area guides
description: Fight the winter blues and treat yourself to one of these handcrafted hot chocolates, expertly blended for a bespoke and luxury experience
encoded: As the temperature drops and Christmas lights start to twinkle, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a cup of thick, silky hot chocolate. London is home to a bundle of independent cafés stirring up luxurious versions of this classic winter warmer – read on to discover where to find the most indulgent hot chocolates this festive season. Recreate a rich and creamy hot chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen with our hot chocolate recipes, including a chocolate orange twist and boozy alternative. Or seek more ways to make the most of the season with our four festive UK city getaways perfect for shopping, eating and exploring and these magical winter travel experiences for food lovers. Maison Pierre Marcolini, Notting Hill This glossy new boutique from the famed French chocolatier is the first of the Marcolini emporiums to serve bean-to-cup hot chocolates, using cocoa beans sourced directly from independent producers in Madagascar, Peru, Cuba, Brazil and São Tomé. Super-smooth and milky serves include ‘Speculoos’ and a signature ‘Piedmont Hazelnut’, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and hazelnuts. Those who prefer a darker cup of chocolate are also catered for, with cocoa percentages ranging from 77%-83%. You can enjoy these artisanal creations hot or cold, with the choice of whole, pea or oat milk. We're excited to visit again soon to try its new hot chocolate which now comes with an espresso shot. marcolini.co.uk Barnabys, Covent Garden (and Tottenham Court Road and City of London) This handmade chocolate shop may be known for its thick, gooey chocolate bars, but its newer range of hot chocolates, using real chocolate, are just as noteworthy. Available in three flavours – classic, malt and peanut butter and caramel – all offerings are equally drool-worthy. Dip a bar of the weekend special into your cup and you'll notice that the chocolate pools in the bottom – just heavenly. barnabybars.com Dark Sugars, Greenwich A visit to Dark Suga…

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Exploring Cape Cod by bike: beaches, fresh seafood and classic Americana
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T12:36:06.000Z
creator: Susan Low
subject: Travel
description: Travel and food writer Susan Low pedals through Cape Cod’s coastal scenery, sharing local food and drink highlights along the way
encoded: For more travel inspiration, check out the most breathtaking train journeys around the world or 1o unique walking holidays for food lovers. Cape Cod, a huge sandspit sticking out into the Atlantic from the New England coastline, bears an uncanny resemblance to a sailor’s flexed arm. Which is fitting because the cape has a rich maritime history – as well as worldclass beaches, freshwater swimming ponds, historic old towns and some of the best seafood in the country. A three-hour drive from Boston, the cape is a slice of Americana like no other. The best way to experience it is to take it slow, on two wheels. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs along a disused railway system built just after the American Civil War. The railways carried freight and passengers between major east coast cities until the great American romance with the automobile blossomed in the 1960s. The railway eventually went bankrupt but the locomotive’s loss was eventually the cyclist’s gain. The Rail Trail officially opened in 1981 and the 25 smoothly tarmacked miles connect the best bits of the cape, from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, running through pine forest, salt marshes and cranberry bogs, and joining up some of the best beaches and ponds. It’s mostly flat and easy to navigate (walkers are welcome). Hire a bike right on the trail – try Dennis Cycle Center – and pedal off on an adventure. Start from the town of Dennis, which stretches like a tourniquet across the fullest part of the peninsula’s bicep, from Cape Cod Bay in the north to Nantucket Sound in the south. The Rail Trail, though by no means a major artery, is the lifeblood for two-wheeled travellers. First stop, craft brewer Devil’s Purse Brewing Co in South Dennis is run by two New Yorkers who now call Cape Cod home. The name? A devil’s purse is the local name for the egg sacs shed by skate, which are often found washed up on beaches. The taproom and beer patio (if you’re in luck you may find a lunchtime food truck) is a short diversion but …

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Best Knightsbridge restaurants: where to eat in the elegant London district
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T11:50:40.000Z
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
description: From contemporary Japanese to modern Indian flavours and stylish afternoon tea, check out our pick of some of the most lavish dining rooms in central London
encoded: Looking for Knightsbridge restaurants? Check out where to eat and drink in this elegant London district, then find more recommendations for where to eat and drink in Chelsea, our favourite restaurants in Soho and discover more of our London restaurant reviews. Our pick of the best restaurants in Knightsbridge Dinings SW3 – for contemporary Japanese izakaya and sushi A grade-II listed building tucked away on a quiet street in Knightsbridge is where tiny Marylebone restaurant Dinings opened its second home in 2017. Subtle touches include warm towels and edamame beans brought to the table shortly after being seated. Order a cocktail while you peruse the menu of sashimi, sushi and modern Japanese tapas that has evolved from traditional Japanese Izakaya cuisine. Yuzu and sansho pepper lift the refreshing paloma, while Roku gin and cherry infused vermouth add richness to a classic negroni. Or, try Dinings’ own-label sake from Konotomo, a family-run brewery in Japan. Start with the impressive sashimi platter; a heavy stone box filled with ice piled high with tiny, perfectly constructed mouthfuls, such as mosaic salmon wrapped in crunchy kohlrabi, sea bass carpaccio and hay-smoked toro (fatty tuna). The gentle smoky flavour is achieved with a Josper grill, using charcoals that reach 480C, which also help to create other robata-style dishes on the menu, such as tender chicken teriyaki skewers and scallops with punchy and refreshing wasabi salsa. Handmade udon noodles are elegantly presented in the restaurant's umami-rich susuru broth for a soothing warmer in the colder months. Expect to leave feeling somewhere between happily zen and really special from the attentive Japanese hospitality (and we recommend a jar of chef Masaki Sugisaki’s crunchy chilli oil in hand...). diningssw3.co.uk Vatavaran – for Indian flavours with a modern twist Inspired by the Indian Himalayas, the latest restaurant from Rohit Ghai, takes its name from the Sanskrit translation of atmosphere. Spread a…

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16 best French food trips
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T11:35:32.000Z
creator: olivemagazine
subject: Europe
subject: France
subject: Travel
subject: Great Getaways
description: Looking for places to visit in France? Check out our top French food trips and take a spin around olive groves Uzes, relax in luxury in Provence or sample patisserie in Paris
encoded: Looking for the best food trips to take in France? Check out our guide to the best places across the country to eat and drink, from hearty ski food in the French Alps to undiscovered corners of Provence. For more French inspiration, check out our picks of the best hotels in Paris and foodie guide to Lyon, then hop across the border with our guide to the best Spanish food trips or further afield with our best Morocco food trips. 16 best French food trips Uzes For chocolat-style villages Pungent truffles and gummy bears? Just two of the more unusual ingredients on the menu in Uzès, one of those achingly pretty French towns whose Chocolat-style looks make it seem like a Hollywood film set. Indeed, its plane-tree-pricked Place aux Herbes once starred in the Gérard Depardieu movie Cyrano de Bergerac. Uzès is surrounded by truffle plantations and hosts a truffle festival every January, while confectionary giant Haribo opened Le Musée du Bonbon here in 1996. The company is synonymous with the gummy bears invented by German founder Hans Riegel in 1920. Your ticket comes with a bag of sweets to suck as you wander from room to room learning about the history of sugar and the candy-making process before ‘nosing’ some of the ingredients. Pressing a button releases a puff of vanilla, cacao or liquorice into the air. This less well-known corner of France is just 40 minutes from Avignon, where you can jump off the Eurostar as it hurtles on to Marseilles. Once here the pace is far more leisurely. Uzès has its share of sites to tick off including the cathedral of Saint Théodorit with its ornate Romanesque bell tower, the Fenestrelle, the Duke’s palace and the Medieval Garden in the grounds of a ruined château which has around 450 plants, many medicinal, and is a lovely spot to unwind with a liquorice tisane after clambering up the tower’s 100 steps for a sweeping panorama. Be sure to visit Uzès on a Wednesday or Saturday when you’ll find a food market in full swing. And don't miss a…

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John Gregory-Smith's winter feast menu
type: item
date: 2025-12-15T10:41:20.000Z
creator: John Gregory-Smith
subject: Collection
subject: Recipes
description: Create a chic three-course dinner at home with a bright burrata starter, slow-braised beef short ribs and rich chocolate-cherry brownies to impress
encoded: Bring the buzz of your favourite restaurant home with this polished yet relaxed three-course menu from John Gregory-Smith. Perfect for entertaining, it’s the kind of cooking that looks impressive without feeling overworked. For more hosting tips to elevate your dinner parties with minimal effort, read our foodie hacks for easy entertaining. Then check out more effortless entertaining recipes and winter comfort foods that are perfect crowdpleasers for the winter months. John Gregory-Smith is a chef, Instagram sensation and bestselling author of seven cookbooks. He is a presenter on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and BBC’s Morning Live. His latest book, The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever, is out late January. Follow him on Instagram @johngs. Starter Blood orange, burrata and fennel salad "This seriously swanky starter is made with some of my favourite winter produce: tart blood oranges and crisp fennel, doused in a lovely, tangy dressing," says John. "The burrata (as always) steals the show and, to help you get that effortless ooze, just get it out of the fridge an hour before serving". Main Wine-braised short ribs with creamy polenta "This really is restaurant-quality food at home," John says. "Just don’t tell anyone how easy it is. Ask your butcher for bone-in short ribs and let them braise low and slow in the sauce until they are melt-in-the-mouth tender. You can make these well ahead of time – simply reheat in the sauce before you serve. Enjoy with creamy polenta and greens." Dessert Dark chocolate and cherry brownies "These are the ultimate fudgy chocolate brownies, made extra special with a little splash of kirsch," John says. "The trick to getting that gorgeous gooey centre is to slightly under-bake the brownies and then pop them in the fridge to stop the cooking process. You can serve them chilled – or let them come to room temperature, which is my favourite way to enjoy them. I find they have the best flavour and texture like that."

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21 December recipes
type: item
date: 2025-12-13T00:00:19.000Z
creator: Nadine Brown
subject: Guides
subject: Apple
subject: Cauliflower
subject: Savoy cabbage
subject: Sweet potato
description: Make the most of December’s very best ingredients, from moist sweet potatoes to crisp, crunchy apples and mild Savoy cabbage
encoded: Want to know what’s good and in season in December? Looking for December recipe ideas? Use moist sweet potatoes, crisp, crunchy apples and mild Savoy cabbage from your local greengrocer to make these seasonal dishes and bakes. We’ve included plenty of tips for how to shop for particular varieties, prepping guides and useful ideas for using leftovers. Explore our sweet potato recipes, apple recipes and cabbage recipes for fresh ways to make the most of December’s seasonal produce. Sweet potatoes The sweet potatoes you’ll typically find in supermarkets are orange-fleshed, moist and sweet. Not as widely known is the white sweet potato, also called boniato. Available in Caribbean and Asian supermarkets, it's also known as kumara or Caribbean sweet potato. It has creamy white insides, is drier and less sweet than its orange cousin. Sweet potato muffins Get ahead and bake a batch of sweet potato muffins for lunch in the week – they keep well in the fridge. They also make for a great speedy breakfast or brunch. Discover more sweet potato recipes here. Cauliflower Related to broccoli, a cauliflower’s head (the curd) is actually made up of hundreds of undeveloped flower buds. That collection of buds should be pure white when buying, and held within crisp green leaves, which can also be steamed and eaten, too. Cauliflower ragu Enjoy this great alternative to a meat ragu. Made using cauliflower, it’s cheaper and sneaks in an extra one of your 5-a-day, while the anchovy adds a deep, rich flavour. Find more cauliflower recipes here. Apples British apples are at their best during the later seasons. Go for fruit that’s not bruised and wrinkly, and don’t be fooled by shiny skin – quite a few apples are waxed purely for aesthetic reasons. Invisible apple cake This French cake is so called because the thinly sliced apples meld together in the batter to make the body of the cake and almost disappear. Gingerbread apple butter Spread this gingerbread apple butter on crumpets, stir into …

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7 sherry cocktails
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T12:04:32.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: Discover why cream sherry makes such a versatile cocktail ingredient and the best recipes to try, including ideas for fino and manzanilla sherry
encoded: Read our guide to the best sherry cocktails, then explore the best sherries to drink this Christmas, the best ports to buy and our collection of 64 Christmas cocktails. What is cream sherry? Cream sherry is a style of sweet sherry that's usually made by blending a dry wine, like oloroso, with sweet wines like pedro ximénez. It was once hugely popular (especially Harveys Bristol Cream, which in its early 1970s heyday sold a million cases a year in the UK) but this has waned thanks to the mass production of sickly-sweet, low-quality sherries and, more recently, the changing tastes of drinkers as they seek out dry styles like fino and manzanilla. This is rather a shame because a good cream sherry from a quality producer is a lovely thing: sweet but not cloying and full of the beautiful festive flavours of dried fruit, caramel and nuts that make it a perfect match for desserts and cheeseboards (try it with blue cheese). While it’s delicious sipped neat (always drink it chilled – on the rocks with an orange slice is particularly good), the complexity of flavours in a good cream sherry make it a surprisingly versatile cocktail ingredient. Plus it lasts for ages in the fridge once opened – for weeks and even up to months. Sherry cocktail recipes Cream sherry cocktails Sherry flip Velvety and nutty, this sherry flip makes an excellent alternative to eggnog during the festive season. Sherry highball Inspired by the sherry colada at New York bar Sip & Guzzle, this drink mixes cream sherry with pineapple soda for a fresh, tropical, highly gluggable highball. Sherry whisky sour A Christmassy spin on a classic whisky cocktail, the cream sherry adds extra festive flavours to the drink. Manzanilla sherry cocktails Seabreeze cocktail You'll need cranberry vodka, two types of sherry and grapefruit juice for this zesty, tart cocktail, from Manzi's seafood restaurant in Soho. Olive martini Add a touch of sophistication to your next martini with guindilla pepper brine and manzanilla sh…

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13 winter sun destinations for food lovers
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T11:34:31.000Z
creator: Alex Crossley
subject: Travel
subject: Great Getaways
description: Dream of warmer climates with our pick of the best places for food lovers to get a fix of winter sunshine, from sun-fuelled wellness retreats to outdoorsy city breaks and lush jungle escapes
encoded: Looking for the ultimate winter sun destinations for food lovers? Want to make the most of the sunshine on an alfresco city break? Check out our pick of places to go, including where to stay, which restaurants to visit and what dishes you should try. For something a little chillier, check out our picks of the best ski destinations in Europe for a snowy getaway. Winter sun destinations for food lovers Bali – for an eco-chic escape Bali isn't all about parties and gap year travellers. If you need some relaxation after December madness, head to Bali for a calm wellbeing break. Soak up the warmth by relaxing on the beaches, go for a swim in the Indian Ocean and immerse yourself in Indonesian culture exploring the bustling cities. The unbeatable sunsets will stay with you long after you go home. Base yourself in Seminyak – a blend of luxury that still feels laid-back, with buzzy beach clubs, wide beaches and endless beachside cafés to while away the days at. Where to stay: Stay at Potato Head, an eco-chic retreat on Seminyak’s beachfront. Sustainability is at the forefront of this brutalist structure: ceilings are made of recycled Sprite bottles, earthy tones warm up the expansive space and rattan furniture adds local character. Book the Oceanfront Studio to wake up to daylight pouring in and stunning sea views. To enjoy golden hour as the sun sets, a wood-panelled bath takes centre stage, which can be drawn with floating petals, and fresh dragon fruit and watermelon platters on the side. The room is complete with a custom-made maxi-bar, stocked with the likes of spiced rum and pink guava kombucha. On-site dining options have been curated to meet every need, with seasonal produce grown on the organic regenerative farm, Sweet Potato Project. Kaum serves authentic Indonesian dishes such as gado gado, a vegetable salad with peanut dressing, in a casual, plant-filled setting. At Ijen, seafood fresh from the boat is cooked on open fire – think grilled octopus, whole roasted b…

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Best restaurants in Tbilisi: where locals eat in the vibrant Georgian capital
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T10:38:01.000Z
creator: Alex Crossley
subject: Europe
subject: Travel
description: Explore this energetic crossroads city via soup dumplings, supra-style sharing feasts and unique wines made using ancient techniques
encoded: Looking for restaurants in Tbilisi? Want to know where to eat and drink in the Georgian capital? Restaurateur Giorgi Mindiashvili showed me his favourite spots in his hometown, and shares a deep-dive into Georgian cuisine here. Where to eat and drink in Tbilisi, Georgia Shavi Lomi – for sharing-style suppers Named after Niko Pirosmani’s Black Lion painting, this stunning tree-lined courtyard and cosy converted house is popular with artsy locals. Centre stage is the gobi, a thali-style wooden sharing bowl filled with multicoloured pkhali dips, fresh cheeses and breads. Next comes the likes of stuffed lobiani, whole grilled aubergines doused in walnut and pomegranate sauce, Georgian lamb risotto and beef dolma with minted yogurt. Plus, layered honey cake for dessert. instagram.com/shavilomi_tbilisicuisine/ Craft – for cosy bistro feels A concept store turned bistro and wine bar with a warm, homely feel, showcasing ceramics from Georgian artisans on its blush pink walls. Alongside rotating wines from small-batch producers (Artana, Ethno, Kiketi Farm), authentic flavours and regional dishes are given a contemporary lift. Think pan-fried butter mushrooms in bazhe (spiced walnut sauce), fresh from the oven lavash flatbreads and marinated aubergine from the charcoal makali grill served with spiced green chilli ajika and red pepper pkhali. craftwinerestaurant.com Saperavi – for wine ice cream Look out for kiosks selling unique, purple-hued wine ice cream, including this pretty wooden domed kiosk perched above the river by the Second Bridge of Love. Order a cone piled high with wine soft serve and a glass of fresh pomegranate juice before heading to the atmospheric Orbeliani Baths for a rejuvenating sulfur soak and scrub. 8 Abano Turn Oro – for western Megrelian dishes Set in a former printing house with elegant interiors and a leafy courtyard, Oro is an ode to Georgia’s historic western Megrelian region, with a little spicier cuisine and unique preparation techniques – for …

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Best cocktail bars in London
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T09:00:24.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Bar reviews
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: From slinky, speakeasy-style dens to cutting-edge mixology, London's cocktail bars are world-class. Here's a taste of what to expect
encoded: Looking for the best cocktail bars in London? As olive’s drinks writer, I've spent the past eight years scouring the capital’s bar scene to keep up with the latest trends, openings and hot spots. London’s bar scene is one of the best in the world (including four of the World’s 50 Best Bars; see the full list here), buzzing with cutting-edge mixology, top-tier bartender talent and, most importantly, really delicious cocktails. Here’s my pick of the best at the moment – from a Latin American-inspired basement bar in Notting Hill to a Dalston agaveria and award-winning cocktail lounge in Soho. There's plenty to keep your Friday nights and weekends busy; make sure you check back for more as I'll be updating this guide with the best new cocktail bar openings. For more like this, check out the World's 50 Best Bars, the best London hotel bars to visit, the best listening bars in London and the best London pubs for food lovers. Also check out our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Shoreditch, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Notting Hill. Best London cocktail bars The Black Duke, Vauxhall The Vauxhall roundabout was an unlikely dining destination until Jackson and Frank Boxer launched their much-praised Brunswick House in the surrounds of a Grade II listed Georgian mansion in 2010, and thanks to a restoration of the building’s 18th-century cellars they’ve now launched The Black Duke, making two good reasons why you need to visit. Inside, dripping candles add flickering cosiness to the carefully revived space, which includes 300-year-old fireplaces and chimneys restored to working order. Exposed brickwork, vintage tables and leather seating complete a pared-back yet inviting setting. The drinks list is pleasingly short and to the point – start with a one-sip negroni before moving on to crowd-pleasing cocktails with a twist; alpine herbal liqueur génépi adds herbal complexity to the house martini, while a…

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Swedish baked rice pudding
type: item
creator: Sebastian Graus
subject: Baking and desserts
subject: Entertain
subject: Family
subject: Recipes
description: This make-ahead baked rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon and orange is a simple Christmas dessert that incorporates a playful Swedish festive tradition.
encoded: Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Rice pudding is a Christmas Eve staple in my family, always ladled out at lunch before the festivities begin. This baked version is simple to prepare in advance and tastes just as good the next day. Don’t forget the almond – whoever finds it is said to win good fortune for the year." Try Sebastian's Swedish baked rice pudding, then discover cardamom rice pudding, classic rice pudding and Spanish rice pudding. Swedish baked rice pudding recipe

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Swedish roasted beet and apple salad
type: item
creator: Sebastian Graus
subject: Entertain
subject: Family
subject: Recipes
subject: Vegetarian
description: Roasted beetroot, crisp apple and dill come together in a sharp honey and mustard dressing for a bright, crunchy Nordic salad ideal for winter spreads and festive gatherings.
encoded: Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Every Christmas my Finnish mum made rosolli, a jewel-bright beetroot salad that’s a staple on Finnish festive tables. Its freshness cuts beautifully through the heavier parts of the feast”. Try Sebastian's Swedish roasted beet and apple salad, then discover beetroot soup, beetroot and goat's cheese salad, beetroot burgers and more brilliant beetroot recipes. Swedish roasted beet and apple salad recipe

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Best London hotels
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T17:05:58.000Z
subject: Travel
subject: Travel london
subject: UK
subject: Hotel guides
description: Lounge in a freestanding bath tub, take your pick from a pillow menu and tuck into Moroccan eggs with labneh at London’s best hotels
encoded: Looking for the best hotels in London? Want to know where to stay in central London? Our guide to London’s best boutique hotels… For more hotel inspiration, discover the best UK spa hotels for food lovers, the most romantic hotels in the UK and the best UK country house hotels. Check out some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Battersea and best restaurants in Chelsea. The Hari, Belgravia – for a stylish hotel in the heart of the action Doubles from £387, check availability at booking.com Tucked on smart a Belgravia terrace, this low-key and stylish hotel is bang in the heart of the London action. Its mid-century aesthetic – glossy marble, chic lighting, vintage-leaning furniture – is designer-sharp but warm feeling, and the team strikes a similar balance: relaxed, friendly and focussed. The food action centres on Il Pampero, a handsome Italian dining room with leather booths and mood lighting. The kitchen deals in big-flavour comfort: zingy tartare di tonno, creamy burrata with bitter radicchio and hazelnuts, and pici cacio e pepe spun theatrically through a whole wheel of cheese. There’s a tidy list of Italian wines, classic cocktails at the bar and a small roof terrace for a pre-dinner spritz. Rooms stay faithful to the hotel’s retro-modern polish. Our eighth-floor space framed a wide sweep of London, while the bathroom – clad in all-round marble – held a deep bath built into a bay-style window. Modern artwork, a well-chosen minibar, a slate board of macaroons and truffles on arrival, and sustainable toiletries from Jo Loves added to the thoughtful touches. Breakfast returns to Il Pampero, where a help-yourself counter heaving with smoothies, pastries and fruit sits beside a menu of cooked dishes. Speciality eggs, healthy plates and a reliable full English mean most bases are covered. It’s relaxed, plentiful and exactly what you want before a day exploring the capital. Doubles from £387, check availability …

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Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T16:21:40.000Z
creator: Lucy Roxburgh
subject: London
subject: Reviews
subject: Restaurants
description: Looking for a festive treat? We’ve found the best spots to take friends and family over the Christmas season, from traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz to afternoon tea with a view from The Shard
encoded: Treat loved ones and dine in style over the Christmas season with one of these festive afternoon teas for a Christmas treat. Classic afternoon tea menus of sandwiches, scones and perfect patisserie get a festive makeover at this time of year, from turkey sandwiches and cranberry jam to go with scones, to carefully crafted yule logs, Christmas trees made of cake, savoury mince pies and many more magical discoveries. You're sure to leave full and with a wonderful new Christmas tradition to return to year after year. If you're not after a Christmas theme, check out the best afternoon teas in London and the best across the UK, too. Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025 Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Marylebone Known for its travel-themed Flavours of the World afternoon teas, this Christmas, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has fittingly chosen Lapland as its destination inspiration for guests. However rather than just a few festively named desserts, the hotel fully embraces a sense of delightful theatricality, transporting guests on board a ‘Montagu Kitchen Airlines’ flight to Lapland. Upon arriving our hostess immediately donned a pillbox air stewardess hat, stamped our boarding pass ‘in-flight menus’ and escorted us to our seats ready for take-off. Our napkins were tied with a chic leather luggage tag, two of our three courses were gorgeously presented in multiple compartments of a suitcase, and champagne was offered upon lift off. Our in-flight menu boasted an array of spiced treats, including a tangy sweet water shrimp tartelette and, my personal favourite, a rich but light brioche roll topped with forest mushroom duxelles and Witheridge cheese. Following this there was the classic, traditional plain and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam – it was however given an exotic twist by featuring a zesty passion fruit jam, all suitably located in the side compartments of our luggage. Lastly, the main part of our suitcase opened to reveal a …

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Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T15:05:41.000Z
creator: Janine Ratcliffe
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: Whether you want to stock your cupboards with treats or need a gift for the foodie in your life, these are the most indulgent hampers to buy
encoded: Looking for the best Christmas hamper to treat a lucky loved one? Whether you're looking for the ultimate cheese box, a wicker basket full of sweet and savoury treats, we've gathered the best Christmas foodie hampers to buy this year, whether as a treat for yourself or friends and family. Looking for more gifting inspiration? If you've got someone specific to buy for try our specially tailored gift guides for beer enthusiasts, coffee lovers and gin fans. If you fancy making your own gifts this year, we've gathered our best edible gift recipes for delicious homemade presents. Read on for our picks of the best gourmet food hampers for Christmas. Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy at a glance Best unique produce hamper: The Flavours of Oldstead Hamper, £190 Best luxury Christmas hamper: Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £130 Best luxury artisan hamper: The Osip Christmas hamper, £165 Best Spanish hamper: Brindisa Indulgence Hamper, £165 Best Christmas breakfast hamper: Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box, £78 Best afternoon tea hamper: British Hamper Company afternoon tea gift basket, £63.97 Best hamper for cider lovers: DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper, £85 Best Cornish hamper: The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper, £23.95 Best hamper for keen gardeners: Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper, £95 Best for Chinese cooking: Poon’s Heritage Hamper, £70 Best Christmas cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield 12 Days of Christmas Cheese Hamper, £85 Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025 The Flavours of Oldstead Food Hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best unique produce hamper A unique hamper with handmade products featuring seasonal ingredients grown and foraged by Tommy Banks and his team in North Yorkshire, this will keep someone going with delicious treats throughout the festive season. As well as a tomato leaf and lemon verbena candle, there are a selection of seasonal British cheeses like Young Buck, jars of spruce tip honey and re…

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Best restaurants in King's Cross
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T12:00:16.000Z
creator: olivemagazine
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in this buzzing area of north London. Try Mexican-style rotisserie chicken, low-intervention wines, bacon naans and more
encoded: Looking for King’s Cross restaurants? Here are our favourite restaurants in King’s Cross. Check out our ideas for eating and drinking in King’s Cross, from Coal Drops Yard to Granary Square and beyond… Next discover the best private dining rooms in the UK and the best UK spa hotels or food lovers. For more London food inspiration, check out our guides to the best restaurants in Soho, best restaurants in Islington, best restaurants in Paddington and best restaurants in Mayfair. Best places to eat and drink near King's Cross station Island — for elevated surf and turf Island takes the concept of surf and turf, and adds two cult chefs - Tom Brown (on surf) and Brad Carter (on turf) – to create a unique and playful menu. The dining room occupies the top floor of buzzy Mare St Market – it’s a big space but the cosy velvet-lined booths, banquette seating and chandelier-covered ceiling manage to make it warm and welcoming. We kicked off with a lamb and clam skewer – chunks of lamb belly, the fat rendered crispy and smoky, topped with tiny salty clams. Not listed on the menu but recommended by our server were seaweed flatbreads, puffed and golden with the edges almost like fried bread. We shared a whole grilled john dory which came doused in caper-spiked café de paris butter, the sweet flesh falling of the bone. An aged dairy ribeye was served with a deep umami version of peppercorn sauce and in place of chips little crunchy ‘turf’ roasties dusted with bone marrow powder (we also got the surf version dusted with mussel powder). A Bogtrotter-style layered chocolate cake to share finished us off – rich and dark with a shiny chocolate glaze, it was a perfect end to the meal. island-restaurants.com Bao Kings Cross — for Bao’s take on Western-style cafes in Asia This modern all-day dining spot, tucked between the canal and St Pancras, offers a chance to dine in and a take-away bakery option. As the name suggests, this is one of the Bao stable and its signature fluffy white bao i…

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Best restaurants in Peckham
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T10:45:02.000Z
creator: Helen Salter
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in this buzzing area of south-east London. Try Persian meze, low-intervention wines, Indian street food nibbles and more
encoded: Looking for restaurants in Peckham? Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in the SE area, from French-style bistros to Persian meze and plant-based Indian street food. After, read about our favourite new restaurants in London. Best places to eat and drink in Peckham Kokum, East Dulwich Road This smart neighbourhood restaurant on the East Dulwich/Peckham border serves some of the highest quality Indian cooking this side of the river. It should be no surprise, given the restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour (ex-head chef at Gymkhana) and Simeron Lily Patel – co-founders of the Michelin-rated Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen. Far from Michelin prices, Kokum offers a competitively priced menu that bridges delicate starters with bowls of gravy-laden curries and flaky lachha paratha. Dahi puri saw dainty layers of potato, chickpea and moong sprout submerged in deceptively fiery layers of tang, sweet and spice. Pickled and charred tandoori roast cauliflower sat in a pool of hot makhani sauce, jewelled with pockets of mint and coriander chutney. The curries that followed accommodate to the neighbourhood clientele, with deep bowls of lamb rogan josh and lemongrass-infused makrut lime prawns. A side of dal makhani – eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils – countered the mains with its dark sultriness. There’s plenty of choice to drink too – the sharp cocktail list includes an espresso martini spiced with chai liqueur, and a punchy strawberry blush, pepped with tamarind spicy vodka and lengthened with basil tonic. Desserts include a rich kulfi made with Iranian pistachio and rum-flambéed gulab jamun, tempered with vanilla ice cream. kokumlondon.com Lai Rai, Rye Lane Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese on Rye Lane. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnames…

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Best new restaurants in London to visit in 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T09:52:06.000Z
creator: Alex Crossley
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: The best new restaurant openings in London, expertly reviewed by the olive team. Keep up to date with the hottest new openings and find out which are not to be missed, plus which dishes to order in each restaurant
encoded: Looking for new restaurants in London? We've visited the hot new openings in the capital to experience the restaurant for ourselves to bring you our regularly updated best London restaurants list. Read on for all the best new openings (including some from the end of last year) and we'll be continually adding new restaurant openings for 2025 as they launch, after we've expertly reviewed each one. For more restaurant guides check out our best restaurants in Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and the best restaurants with rooms in the UK. If you want to pull out all the stops, find out the UK's best showstopping restaurants to impress or try the best chef's table experiences in the UK. Best new London restaurant openings 2025 Island, Kings Cross For elevated surf and turf Island takes the concept of surf and turf, and adds two cult chefs - Tom Brown (on surf) and Brad Carter (on turf) – to create a unique and playful menu. Although they aren’t cooking here day to day there’s some serious skill behind the open grill that lends a beautifully smoky edge to dishes. The dining room occupies the top floor of buzzy Mare St Market – it’s a big space but the cosy velvet-lined booths, banquette seating and chandelier-covered ceiling manage to make it warm and welcoming. We kicked off with a lamb and clam skewer – chunks of lamb belly, the fat rendered crispy and smoky, topped with tiny salty clams. Not listed on the menu but recommended by our server were seaweed flatbreads, puffed and golden with the edges almost like fried bread. We shared a whole grilled john dory which came doused in caper-spiked café de paris butter, the sweet flesh falling of the bone. An aged dairy ribeye was served with a deep umami version of peppercorn sauce and in place of chips little crunchy ‘turf’ roasties dusted with bone marrow powder (we also got the surf version dusted with mussel powder). A Bogtrotter-style layered chocolate cake to share finished us off – rich and dark with a shiny chocolate gla…

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Best Indian restaurants in London
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T09:40:00.000Z
creator: Keith Kendrick
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: See our top picks for the best Indian restaurants in London. All-day Bombay cafes serving bacon and egg naan rolls, to Indian-style cocktails and bowl-shaped pancakes
encoded: Looking for an Indian restaurant in London that isn't your average curry house? From regional Indian street food at Masala Zone to popular traditional Bombay cafe empire Dishoom. Here are the top best Indian restaurants in the capital... Next discover Bangladeshi food: how to cook like a local. Now find out how to celebrate Holi. For something extra special, try one of the best chef's table experiences in the UK, then find out the best female-owned restaurants in the U.K. Now discover the best Japanese restaurants in the UK, the best dining experiences in London and the most romantic restaurants in London. Best Indian restaurants in London Brigadiers, City Brigadiers isn’t your typical City restaurant. It isn’t your typical pub, either. It’s a pulsing combination of both – a warren of rooms tucked inside Bloomberg Arcade, some all chatter and screens, others set for quieter dining. And with food from JKS Restaurants, the group behind Michelin-starred Gymkhana, expectations run high – and deliver. We began with the original BBQ butter chicken wings. New dishes have been added to the menu but these creamy, smoky, finger-licking starters are the essential order. Guided by the team, we then went for a tumbling mountain of prawn, soft-shell crab and squid Tellicherry fry with tomato pachadi – crisp, peppery and lifted by sharp chutney. A chunky skewer of Afghani lamb ribeye kebab followed, juicy and aromatic with cardamom and charcoal. For mains, the Sikandari kid goat shoulder came off the bone with a nudge of the fork, its spiced crust balanced by lacha paratha and sweet onions. The wood-roasted sea bream Pollichathu, wrapped in banana leaf, opened in a fragrant puff of curry leaf and coconut. And the dal makhani – thick, buttery, slow-cooked – tied everything together. Dessert is a nod to comfort: gulab jamun crème brûlée – super-sweet deep-fried milk balls nestling in a satisfyingly tappable caramel custard. Drinks are cold and calculated to cut through the spice: a …

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Cosy winter feasting recipes
type: item
creator: Janine Ratcliffe
subject: Collection
subject: Guides
subject: Recipes
description: Warm up the season with comforting, wintry dishes that bring big flavour to the table, perfect for slow evenings, good company and a touch of fireside calm
encoded: As the days draw in and the cold settles, the kitchen becomes a place to linger. This is the moment for generous flavours, slow-cooked comfort and dishes that invite people to gather. Whether you’re craving something rich and bubbling from the oven or a bowl that brings instant warmth, these recipes lean into the pleasure of winter cooking – relaxed, rustic and made for sharing. Light the candles, pour a glass of something good and settle in. Looking for more cosy cooking inspiration? Try our comfort food recipes, hearty pasta recipes and traybake dinner recipes for further inspiration. Cosy winter feasting recipes Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne Turn your leftover festive cheese and ham into a lush, crowd-pleasing lasagne. Mix and match whatever you have in the fridge: grated cheddar, gruyère or any firm cheese; softer cheeses can be crumbled into the sauce. The ricotta provides a smooth, creamy base for the cooked ham, creating easy layers with plenty of flavour. Bring it to the table bubbling hot and serve with a crisp green salad for balance. Slow roast rotisserie-style chicken with chicken fat potatoes This uses a classic three-turn method in which the chicken is cooked first on either side, then on its back. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the flesh extra moist. Soy butter and mushroom pappardelle Meaty mushrooms and mouth-warming sichuan peppercorns make this a lovely bowl of comfort. Using pappardelle or tagliatelle as a substitute for flat noodles works well and gives you that essential slippery mouthfeel. Chocolate truffle cake This flourless cake is rich, indulgent and perfect for after dinner. The cake puffs up then falls after baking, creating a delicious fudgy texture. We’ve given it a seasonal makeover, piling it high with chestnut cream, borrowed from the classic Alpine dessert.

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Skin-boosting almond salmon curry
type: item
creator: Jessica Marigliano-Barry
subject: Fish and seafood
subject: Health
subject: Recipes
description: Skin-on roasted almonds dictate the flavour in this colourful fish curry. This sauce would also work well with chicken, prawns or paneer
encoded: Try our skin-boosting almond salmon curry, then discover Caribbean fish curry, Sri Lankan fish curry or panch phoron fish curry in pineapple and coconut sauce. Skin-boosting almond salmon curry recipe

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Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T10:17:16.000Z
creator: Cherie Denham
subject: Guides
description: The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede
encoded: Try our Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce, then check out our venison stew, venison curry, venison pie, venison steaks, venison burgers and more venison recipes. In this recipe the venison loin is gently rolled in herbs and spices before being wrapped in pancetta, and browned before being roasted. The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. The sauce can be made in advance and swirled around in the pan after the venison has been cooked. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming th…

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Kimchi and beans shakshuka
type: item
creator: Jessica Marigliano-Barry
subject: Easy
subject: Family
subject: Recipes
subject: Vegetarian
description: Kimchi adds a spicy, tangy kick to this easy shakshuka, served with plenty of crusty bread
encoded: Try our kimchi and beans shakshuka, then discover our spring greens shakshuka, vegan shakshuka, eggs benedict, chorizo brunch eggs and more of the best breakfast ideas with eggs. Kimchi and beans shakshuka recipe

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No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits
type: item
creator: Cherie Denham
subject: Baking and desserts
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: I find that no-churn ice creams can taste too sweet so I made this one pretty punchy. The alcohol dilutes the sweetness of the condensed milk and the coffee gives it an intense depth and strength in flavour
encoded: Try our no-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits, then check out our our Baileys ice cream, spiced coffee kulfi, iced coffee, iced latte and iced caramel coffee. For another coffee-flavoured dessert, try our espresso martini cake pops. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread …

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height: 2000